Valuable paper items—like comic books, pictures, hand-written letters, and critical documents—can be stored to free up space in your home, but a few steps are needed to prepare them. When they’re arranged properly, safe storage options can be used indefinitely with minimal effect on your items. Below are several tips for getting sensitive paper items ready.

How to Prepare Paper Memorabilia & Mementos for Safe Storage

1. Comic Books

Comic books should be stored in protective plastic sleeves with comic book boards tucked in behind them. Each should be in its own individual sleeve, backed by the board. These help the comic hold its shape, keep it from getting bent, and keep out dust, moisture, and pests. 

Once the comics are packaged in the sleeves, store them upright (not lying flat) in sturdy boxes. They should be snug so they don’t fall or warp, but they shouldn’t be so tightly packaged that they’re crammed against each other, which can affect their shape.

2. Photographs

Pictures should be stored using only acid-free materials, or the pictures may yellow and the image fade. Never place loose photos in a box, as they’ll stick to each other and ruin the images. 

Store them in photo albums with acid-free paper and PVC-free plastics to avoid marring the pictures and place the albums upright in archival-quality photo storage boxes. If you want to label the pictures, use a photography pen or a soft lead pencil.

3. Paper Letters & Documents

Moisture can stain and rot paper, and pests will shred it for nests or eat it for nutrients. To prevent this, put each paper in a plastic protective sleeve, and keep them in metal or plastic boxes. You can also put sleeved pages in filing cabinets, which may help with organization. 

Store the container on an elevated surface, just in case water gets into the unit, and check on them periodically for mold, pest infestations, or smudging, which are signs that they may need a different environment.
 

Do you need safe storage for your paper possessions? All-Safe Self Storage & A-1 Williams Minis Storage in Cookeville, TN, has over 250 units ranging from 5x5 to 10x30. Since 1986, they’ve maintained a secure storage facility with gated access, outdoor lighting, and 24/7 access. Learn more about their storage units online and call the storage facility at (931) 537-6005.